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Ashley Cole gave a positive verdict on Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka, after he completed 90 minutes during England’s 3-0 victory against Republic of Ireland in the international friendly on Thursday night.

The Gunners teenager starred in a win for England at Wembley Stadium and it should provide some momentum ahead of the two Nations League games, starting with a trip to Belgium on Sunday.

Saka, 19, slotted into a left wing-back role in the Three Lions team and provided a great outlet.

The speedster went close to scoring early on with his close-range effort that was denied by the goalkeeper and in the second period his tricky work in the box earned England a penalty to wrap up a 3-0 scoreline.

He had a difficult England debut back in October against Wales, but there was a big response with his bright display against Ireland and he showed why he’s won over manager Gareth Southgate.

The Arsenal star is a versatile one that can play in either a full-back, midfield or attacking role, and that’s why it seems to suit him bombing up and down the pitch in a wing-back position.

England and Premier League legend Cole was majorly impressive with Saka for his contribution midweek on the international stage:

“He likes to operate in the attacking areas. I think defensively playing in a three or five I don’t think he gets exposed as much,” Cole told ITV 1 (10:03pm, 12 November).

“He attacked well today. He was a constant threat. Saka was very positive today and I think him and [Reece] James played really, really well.”

TBR’s View:

Saka, who earns £40,000-a-week (Times), has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the past 18 months which has seen him become a regular starter for Arsenal and also a part of England’s senior squad.

The rapid left-footer should be delighted with any kind of minutes he gets on the pitch for England and it looks like ahead of the Euros next summer he could have a genuine chance of getting on the plane as an understudy to Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell at left wing-back.

He’s earning regular game time at the Emirates Stadium under Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and he just needs to try find some consistency with his final ball, while defensively he will continue to improve with more experience.